Caustics - Corrosive(Caustic) Poisons

The term caustic is often mistakenly presumed to denote an alkali, while actually it has a much broader meaning and refers to any substance which is corrosive and burning in nature.

Mineral Acids (Inorganic Acids)

CAUSTICS

The term caustic is often mistakenly presumed to denote an alkali, while
actually it has a much broader meaning and refers to any substance which is
corrosive and burning in nature. Obviously this would include apart from
alkalis, the more important group comprising acids (inorganic and organic). Table 5.1 lists the common caustic
substances encountered in toxicological practice, while Table 5.2 mentions some ubiquitous commercial products containing
corrosives.

All caustics are highly injurious
locally and produce burns of varying severity and intensity. Three phases have
been recognised—

Latent granulation phase (1 to 2 weeks): The sloughedarea of
mucosa shows evidence of fibroplasia, and fresh granulation tissue is formed.
Collagen starts to replace the granulation tissue by the end of the 1st week.
Perforation is most common during this phase.